Inverness in 1 Day for Seniors - Clava Cairns (Outlander ‘Craigh na Dun’ inspiration)
In Collaboration with Highland Guided Tours. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Private 8-hour guided tour from Inverness visiting Outlander sites, Culloden battlefield, Cawdor Castle gardens and two local distilleries. Comfortable vehicle, snacks, water and umbrellas provided. Pace and stops optimised for senior travellers with limited-mobility considerations.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Highland Guided Tours, inspired by the tour Loch Ness Highland Tour: Day Trip to Loch Ness, Outlander Sites and More. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Clava Cairns (Outlander ‘Craigh na Dun’ inspiration)
- Culloden Battlefield & Viaduct (short, accessible visits)
- Cawdor Castle & Gardens (easy paths and tearoom)
- Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness
- Great Glen Gin tasting (small, local distillery)
- Glen Ord Distillery quick tasting (accessible visitor centre)
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private tour from Inverness with short walks, photo stops and two distillery visits. Route is optimised for comfort and minimal walking where possible.
Meet your guide — Inverness Town House (briefing & boarding)
Meet your driver/guide in front of Inverness Town House for a 20-minute welcome, safety briefing and accessibility check. Driver will load mobility aids into the vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- The pavement directly in front of Inverness Town House is flat and step-free — ideal for wheelchairs and walkers.
- There are public toilets nearby (town centre) — good to use before boarding; guide will confirm restroom stops for the day.
- Ask the guide to secure any mobility aid in the vehicle; they’ll lower a ramp or assist with steps if needed.
Transfer (drive) to Clava Cairns
Short scenic drive east from Inverness to the Bronze-Age Clava Cairns (Outlander connection).
Tips from local experts:
- Seats near the windows offer the best views of the Moray Firth scenery — request these if mobility allows.
- Driver will pause for short comfort stops if anyone needs stretching after the drive.
- Vehicles are climate-controlled; bring a light layer because coastal breezes can be cool even in August.
Clava Cairns — short, accessible visit
Explore the ring cairns that inspired Outlander's Craigh na Dun. Gentle paths with interpretation signs; brief walk to the main stones.
Tips from local experts:
- There is a short, mostly level path from the car park to the main circle — comfortable for those with limited mobility; ask the guide to drop you close to the entrance.
- Benches are located nearby for resting and enjoying the view — take your time with the group.
- Wear sensible shoes; the grass can be damp in the morning and a light raincoat is advised even in summer.
Transfer to Culloden Viaduct (photo stop)
Quick drive to the Culloden Viaduct for a short photo/overview stop of this long masonry railway viaduct.
Tips from local experts:
- The viaduct viewpoint offers good photos from the roadside — minimal or no steps required if you stay near the vehicle.
- Traffic can be light here; the guide will choose the safest pull-over point for photos.
- If walking down a small path, use the handrail and take care — opt to stay by the vehicle if mobility is limited.
Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre (museum + short moor walk)
Visit the accessible Visitor Centre to learn about the 1746 battle; then a short, guided stroll to the main memorial (optional, wheelchair-friendly route available).
Tips from local experts:
- The Visitor Centre has accessible exhibits and toilets with seating areas — great for a calm, informative stop.
- There is a ramped, tarmac path from the centre to a viewpoint on the battlefield suitable for wheelchairs and scooters.
- Peak summer can be busy mid-day; arriving earlier avoids crowds and offers quieter seating in the centre.
Drive to Cawdor Castle & Gardens
Scenic drive east to Cawdor Castle (shorter, relaxed transfer).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask to sit on the side with castle views for the best photo opportunities en route.
- The guide will confirm restroom availability on arrival so you can freshen up before visiting the gardens.
- The vehicle will be parked close to the castle entrance for easier boarding and disembarking.
Cawdor Castle & Gardens — short accessible tour
Stroll the beautiful, historic gardens and view the castle exterior. Interior access may involve steps; the gardens are the main, gentle highlight.
Tips from local experts:
- Garden paths are generally well-maintained and mostly level — bring a light cushion if long bench seating is uncomfortable.
- The castle interior has historic staircases; if steps are an issue, enjoy the gardens and exterior narration from the guide.
- The on-site tearoom and toilets are a short walk from the main garden entrance (ask the guide to escort those who need assistance).
Lunch — Cawdor Castle Tearoom (relaxed, seated meal)
Light lunch at the castle tearoom with accessible seating and senior-friendly menu options. Time to rest and recharge.
Tips from local experts:
- Tearoom staff are used to older visitors — request a table away from the door for quieter dining and easier wheelchair access.
- Menu typically offers sandwiches, soups and traybakes — ask for smaller portions or assistance with ordering if needed.
- If you have any dietary requirements, the tearoom can usually accommodate with advance notice; tell the guide before arrival.
Drive to Urquhart Castle (Loch Ness)
Comfortable drive along scenic roads to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Opportunity to see loch views from the vehicle before arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats facing the loch give the best views — consider taking photos from the vehicle if you prefer to minimise walking.
- The guide will provide a brief history while you travel to keep the outing relaxed and engaging.
- There will be a restroom break at the castle car park before the short walk to the ruin site.
Urquhart Castle — shorter, accessible visit & viewpoints
Explore the dramatic ruins and the loch viewpoint. Paths are uneven in places; the main exhibition area and focal viewpoints are accessible.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main paved/exhibition areas if uneven surfaces are a concern — benches and raised viewpoints provide great vistas of Loch Ness.
- There are accessible toilets and a visitor reception with seating — use these facilities before the brief loch-side photo walk.
- If you prefer to avoid steps, tell your guide — they’ll position you at the best viewpoints for photos while others take a slightly longer walk.
Great Glen Gin (local distillery) — tasting and short tour
Visit Scotland’s small Great Glen Gin producer for a short, seated tasting (award-winning gin made with Loch Ness water). Tasting is optional; non-drink alternatives available.
Tips from local experts:
- The distillery offers seated tastings — request a quiet corner and they’ll pour smaller taste measures suitable for seniors.
- If anyone is driving back after the tour, opt for non-alcoholic samples or water instead; the guide can escort those who prefer not to taste.
- Small steps may be present inside; staff are typically happy to assist with seating and carrying purchases.
Drive to Glen Ord Distillery (Muir of Ord) — short transfer
Drive north-west to Glen Ord, the region’s historic whisky distillery with an accessible visitor area and tasting options.
Tips from local experts:
- This transfer passes pleasant Highland scenery — consider resting with closed eyes if you’d like to relax between stops.
- Let the guide know if you need extra comfort breaks en route; they plan short stops for senior guests.
- Glen Ord’s visitor centre has level access from the car park; notify the guide if you need assistance entering.
Glen Ord Distillery — visitor centre & tasting (rest seats available)
Short stop at the recently refurbished visitor centre for a guided tasting and small cheeseboard option. Alternative non-alcoholic drinks offered.
Tips from local experts:
- The visitor centre is step-free with accessible toilets and plenty of seating — excellent for a relaxed tasting.
- Ask for a smaller tasting flight or a single dram if you prefer; staff are used to tailoring tastings for older visitors.
- If stairs to any viewing area are a problem, enjoy the exhibits and seating area which still offer good displays and samples.
Return transfer to Inverness (drop-off)
Comfortable drive back to Inverness town centre. Guide will offer final local tips and help with mobility aid unloading.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’d like to stop for a final coffee or accessible restroom on the way back, tell your guide — they’ll include a short pause.
- The guide can drop you exactly where you prefer (hotel, train station, or town centre) — confirm your preferred drop-off point beforehand.
- Make sure any purchases (bottles) are stowed safely in the vehicle; the guide can help lift heavier bags.
Tour end & goodbyes
Wrap-up with guide, final questions answered and assistance loading luggage or mobility aids as needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for printed or spoken local recommendations for evening meals or accessible attractions in Inverness.
- If you require onward transport (taxi or hotel shuttle), the guide can help book this before leaving.
- Collect any personal items and bottles from the vehicle; the guide will assist with carrying heavier items to your drop-off point.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Experience, Break |
